Wesley and Co. will be missed Basketball prospects for '67 not hopeless
Lost through graduation from last year's 25-4 team were: Walt Wesley, all-America; Delvy Lewis, all-Big Eight; Al Lopes, all-Big Eight; Riney Lochmann and Fred Chana. Owens admits that these men will definitely be hard to replace and presently he is experimenting with a number of men at various positions.
Admitting that KU's current crop of players are younger and less experienced than last year's team. Owens said that the early practice sessions are centered primarily around fundamentals.
Eight of 14 men on the current roster are sophomores and according to Owens, the sophomores are going to be a big part of KU's success or failure.
When a basketball team has lost over half of its scoring punch, an all-America center and two all-Big Eight conference players, its prospects for the future would not normally look too bright.
By RON HANSON
"I BELIEVE THIS year's team has just as much physical equipment as last year's had." Ted Owens, head basketball coach, said.
That is exactly what has happened to the Jayhawk squad, but the reigning Big Eight champions are not at all ready to call off this year in desperation.
TWO STARTERS RETURN this year, 6-foot 7-inch forward Ron Franz and 6-3 guard Jo-Jo White. Franz is a senior and White a second semester sophomore. Other returning lettermen include Roger Bohnenstiel, 6-5 junior forward; Bob Wilson, 6-7 senior forward-center; and Pat Davis, 6-1 senior guard.
A big question this year is who
Practicing at the forward positions are veterans Franz and Bohnenstiehl. Franz has played exclusively at this position throughout his college career, but last year Bohnenstiehl did his best job while spelling Wesley at center.
is going to replace KU's departed 6-foot 11-inch all-America center Walt Wesley. Right now Owens is operating with 6-foot 8-inch sophomore Vernon Vanoy and Wilson at that position.
One guard spot has already been determined with White holding it down, but the other is still
undecided. Owens has been alternating sophomores Bruce Sloan, 6-5, and Phil Harmon, 6-4, with letterman Davis.
MANY PLAYERS ARE getting a thorough look in these early practice sessions and Owens said, "We're trying to find the best seven or eight men right now."
while KU will be a definite contender, Nebraska is the probable favorite. The Comhuskers have four starters back on a team that gave KU its most trouble in the conference last year.
"We're going to have to win a bundle of close games to stay in there."
Concerning the Big Eight race this year, Owens believes that
Like Nebraska, Kansas State,
Colorado, Oklahoma, and Iowa
State all have a number of
experienced players returning, and
all have to be considered contenders.
"There are more teams with a chance for the conference (title) than in many years," Owens said.
Daily Kansan
5
Friday, November 4, 1966
JIM'S STEAK HOUSE
- Steaks - Chicken - Seafood
- Open For Lunch
- Call Early For Party Reservations
1100 E.23rd East of Haskell VI 3-9753
- Closed Tuesday
GO JAYHAWKERS BEAT NEBRASKA
Hillcrest Mobil
9th & Iowa VI 3-2144
Lawrence Auto Serv.
10th & Massachusetts VI2-6247
We offer our students the
following:
Full line of Goodyear and Mobil products
Tune-up: major and minor
Carburetor repair and overhaul
Automatic transmission service
Automated transmission service
Body repair and maintenance
Body repairs and repainting
Wheel balance and alignment
Don't let the frost be boss—Winterize Now
Help some worthy KU girl win a scholarship by patronizing the Delta Delta Delta Refreshment Booth in the middle of the Reserve Section at all home games. Proceeds of all sales will go into a scholarship fund to be awarded on Honor's Night.
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